Ten Pieces of Non-Technical Career Advice for Engineering and Computer Science Students
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Mastering technical topics and mathematical fundamentals is critical for thriving in an engineering or computer science career. And at the same time, the foundations for an exciting technical career require more than just technical excellence.
This was one of the big messages that emerged from multiple panel discussions at a new event focused on student success and career readiness at the University of California San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering.
Ten practical suggestions from alumni are listed below. This event was organized to raise awareness for hands-on education opportunities inside and outside the classroom for engineering and computer science students at the Jacobs School. Key organizers were the leaders of the Experience Engineering Initiative (E4), the Envision Arts & Engineering Maker Studio, and the Anthropology, Performance and Technology (APT) Program.
Student organizations showcased how students can get involved in hands-on projects outside of the classroom, while faculty highlighted some of the many project-based courses at the Jacobs School of Engineering.
10 Advice Themes (plus a bonus!)
1) Project work and portfolios are critical.
Getting hands-on engineering and computer science experience inside and outside the classroom is critical. Yes, GPA matters (the extent depends on the industry), but no matter what, you also need to be able to show what you have learned and what you can do. Going the extra mile in hands-on engineering courses, getting involved in project teams, and making sure your portfolio shines are important for your career.
2) Prioritize and invest in your communication skills.
This includes oral presentation skills, technical writing, visual presentations, listening and consensus building. Strong communication skills are a career differentiator. Don’t underestimate their value
3) Engineering is a team sport. Collaborate.
Working on teams as a student demonstrates to potential employers that you are able to collaborate with others to get things done. It also provides an opportunity to build something as a team, and later to explain what you built.
4) It isn’t just what you know. It’s how quickly you can learn.
Retain a student mindset for your entire career. Keep cultivating your efforts to acquire new skills.
5) Find ways to work on projects outside your comfort zone.
Lean in to your passions and curiosity at school, at work — and in life.
6) As a new member of a team, you are valuable.
If you are new to a company as an employee or as an intern, or new to a project team at school, your fresh perspectives are valuable. This is especially true when your fresh eyes are combined with mastery of the latest tools and technologies, including AI.
7) Don’t be afraid to fail.
Be willing to make mistakes. Be honest about the mistakes you make.
8) Understand your role in the bigger context.
As an engineer or computer scientist, especially when you are new to a project team or company, don’t be afraid to ask: “Why are we doing it this way?” Keep asking until you get a satisfactory answer. It’s critical to know how your work fits into the larger goals of the project — and how it fits into the bottom line of your employer. Also, asking questions is a way to express who you are.
9) Find people who can help you translate your ideas into action.
Build connections with people at school and at work who can serve as coaches, mentors, managers or champions.
10) Embrace project scope and feedback.
Be able to zoom way out on a problem and understand the big picture. At the same time, be able to zoom way in on specific details. In all you do, learn to request and receive feedback early and often.
Bonus suggestion from UC San Diego mechanical and aerospace engineering professor Jon Wade:
As an engineering or computer science student: learn to raise money for your engineering or computer science club or team.
When you get involved in engineering or computer science competition clubs or teams, help in the fundraising. If you can fundraise successfully for your project team or club, you will make a big impression on many future employers!
Thank you to all of our alumni and industry supporters who shared their time and advice with our students!
Thanks so much to all of our alumni and industry friends who shared their hard-won insights and advice at the three panel sessions.
This event was organized by a variety of people and organizations within the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering that are dedicated to ensuring that students have the most engaging, experiential and relevant educational experiences possible.
Experience Engineering Initiative (E4)
Teaching Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Director, Experience Engineering Initiative (E4)
Faculty Director, EnVision Arts & Engineering Maker Studio
UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering
Envision Arts & Engineering Maker Studio
Colin Zyscowski
Director, EnVision Arts & Engineering Maker Studio
UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering
Hortense Gerardo, moderating one of the panels, will teach ENG 2 (Orientation to Engineering II — Career Readiness) this spring as part of the Jacobs School's Career Readiness Initiative.
Anthropology, Performance and Technology (APT) Program
Director, Anthropology, Performance and Technology (APT)
UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering
In Spring 2026, Hortense Gerardo is teaching ENG 2 (Orientation to Engineering II — Career Readiness). This IDEA Engineering Student Center course is offered as part of the Career Readiness Initiative of the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering.
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